Jing Xiang (敬翔) | 24 Histories

Overview

Jing Xiang was a Commissioner of the Chongzheng Bureau.

Other names

Type	English	Chinese	Pinyin
Courtesy name	Zizhen	子振	Zǐzhēn

Life and dates

Death

AD 923 及國之亡也
Died to prove integrity at the fall of the state
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 233
AD 923 同光元年十月己卯
Suicide
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 5, passage 95
AD 923 龍德末
Clan extermination
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 228
AD 923
Suicide · Means hanging 自經
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 165

Attested activity

AD 911 乾化元年正月庚寅
Dated from the passage context · New History of the Five Dynasties 23, passage 125
AD 921 龍德元年二月
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 10, passages 71, 76
AD 918 貞明四年夏四月辛未
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 9, passages 71, 83
AD 920 貞明六年夏四月乙巳
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 10, passage 26
AD 907 to AD 923 Later Liang career through suicide
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passages 139, 165
c. AD 912 乃謂敬翔曰
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 13, passage 209

Show 36 more source-backed claims

AD 912 乾化二年
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 7, passage 117
AD 912 乾化二年六月
Dated from the passage context · New History of the Five Dynasties 3, passages 5-6
AD 911 乾化元年
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 128
AD 911 乾化元年正月
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 6, passages 34, 42
AD 894 to AD 898 乾寧中
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 121
AD 874 to AD 879 乾符中
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 109
AD 907 五月
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 3, passages 95, 109
AD 923 及國之亡也
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 233
AD 912 to AD 913 友珪時
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 43, passage 74
AD 923 同光元年十月己卯
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 5, passages 95, 201-202
AD 901 to AD 904 天復中
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 122
AD 901 to AD 904 天復中
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 20, passages 149, 152
AD 901 天復元年
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 15, passage 31
AD 907 太祖受禪
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 124
AD 907 to AD 923 始輔霸圖，終成帝業
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 232
AD 912 庶人友珪之篡位
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 137
AD 912 庶人友珪篡立
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 225
AD 880 to AD 907 廣明大亂之後
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passages 62, 67-68
AD 907 开平元年
Dated from the passage context · New History of the Five Dynasties 2, passage 15
AD 904 昭宗改元天祐
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 43, passage 34
AD 907 梁太祖已即位
Dated from the passage context · New History of the Five Dynasties 35, passage 82
AD 907 梁祖即位於汴
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passage 232
AD 907 梁祖受禪
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passage 163
AD 907 聖祚維新
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passage 200
AD 923 莊宗入汴
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 73, passage 82
AD 923 莊宗平中原
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 63, passage 135
AD 917 貞明三年十二月己巳
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 9, passages 43, 50, 53
AD 881 to AD 907 起中和歲，至鼎革大運
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 134
AD 909 開平三年九月
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 5, passages 1, 3
AD 909 開平三年夏四月
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 126
AD 907 to AD 911 開平中
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 24, passage 164
AD 907 開平元年
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 3, passages 53, 83
AD 880 黃巢陷長安
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 110
AD 923 龍德三年夏
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 32, passage 22
AD 923 龍德末
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 228
AD 889 龍紀初
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 19, passage 103

Family

Immediate relationships attested in the translated histories.

Descendant of Xin (忻)
grandfather 祖 · paternal line · 2 generations
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 106
Descendant of Wan (琬)
great-grandfather 曾祖 · paternal line · 3 generations
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 105
Descendant of Hui (暉)
descendant 之後 · paternal line
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 104
Child of Gun (袞)
father 父
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 107
Spouse of First wife of Jing Xiang (敬翔前妻)
first wife 前妻
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 171
Spouse of Lady Liu (劉氏)
wife 妻
husband 夫
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 169

Kinship Role clan · Quantity unspecified · Event executed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 166
Kinship Role clan members · Quantity unspecified
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 228
Kinship Role hereditary nobles and generals · Quantity unspecified
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passage 163

Key source chapters

Origins and identity

descendant of Tang Prince of Pingyang Hui 唐神龍中平陽王暉之後
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 104
old Tang family 唐朝舊族
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passage 163

Career and standing

document officer of Quanzhong 屬官掌文翰
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 15, passage 31
vice director of the Secretariat and co-equal grand councilor 中书侍郎、同中书门下平章事
AD 912 乾化二年六月 · Appointed
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 3, passages 5-6
acting Minister of War 行兵部尚書
AD 911 乾化元年 · Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 128
Grand Academician of the Golden Hall 金鑾殿大學士
AD 911 乾化元年 · Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passages 128, 130
Vice Director of the Court for the Imperial Sacrifices 光祿少卿
AD 894 to AD 898 乾寧中 · Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 121
commissioner of the Chongzhengyuan 崇政院使
AD 907 五月 · Appointed
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 3, passages 95, 109

Show 39 more source-backed claims

honorary Minister of Rites 檢校禮部尚書
AD 901 to AD 904 天復中 · Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 122
titular prefect of Suzhou 遙領蘇州刺史
AD 901 to AD 904 天復中 · Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 122
honorary Minister of Works 檢校司空
AD 907 太祖受禪 · Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 124
chancellor / chief minister 宰相
AD 912 庶人友珪之篡位 · Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 137
Commissioner of the Court of Esteemed Governance 崇政院使
AD 907 开平元年 · Appointed
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 2, passage 15
director of the Chongzhengyuan 知崇政院
AD 907 開平元年 · Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 3, passage 83
director of the Chongzheng Court 知崇政院事
Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 125
Grand Treasurer 太府卿
Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 123
honorary Director of the Water Ministry 檢校水部郎中
Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 119
honorary Right Vice Director 檢校右僕射
Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 123
Left Assistant Administrator of Yangzhou 揚府左司馬
Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 120
military right-wing post 右職
Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 114
Palace Companion to the Heir Apparent 太子中允
Appointed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 118
post-station patrol officer 館驛巡官
Appointed · in charge of proclamations and memorials
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 115
Appointed
Labels Hongwen Hall grand academician 宏文館大學士, Extended Treasury commissioner 延質庫使, salt, iron, and transport commissioner for all circuits 諸道鹽鐵轉運等使
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 10, passage 26
acting overseer of circuit salt and iron 權判諸道鹽鐵使務
Appointed · From Source Date: Text: 貞明四年夏四月辛未 · Regnal Year: 4 · Season: summer · Lunar Month: 4 · Sexagenary Day: 辛未 · Western Year: AD 918
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 9, passage 83
Chancellor 宰臣
AD 918 貞明四年夏四月辛未 · Held
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 9, passage 83
commissioner of the Chongzheng Court 崇政院使
AD 912 to AD 913 友珪時 · Held
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 43, passage 74
Chongzheng Court commissioner 崇政院使
AD 912 庶人友珪篡立 · Held
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 225
Chancellor 宰臣
AD 917 貞明三年十二月己巳 · Held
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 9, passages 43, 53
administrator of the Bureau of Military Affairs 知院事
Held · Organization Bureau of Military Affairs 樞密院
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 3, passage 109
attendant on duty at Chongzheng Court 崇政院使…直閣
Held
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 24, passage 164
chancellor 宰相
Held
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passages 151, 186; New History of the Five Dynasties 32, passage 22
chief secretary of the Xuanwu army 宣武軍掌書記
Held
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 124
Chongzheng Academy director 崇政院使
Held
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 5, passage 3
Chongzheng commissioner 崇政使
Held
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 6, passage 42
commissioner of the Chongzheng Bureau 崇政使
Held
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 23, passage 125
Grand Chamberlain 太府卿
Held
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 2, passage 15
Grand Master of Splendid Affairs 太府卿
Held
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 3, passage 83
Grand Treasurer overseeing Palace Domestic office 太府卿勾當宣徽院事
Held
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 124
Held
Labels Right Vice Director and concurrent Gate Department Vice Minister 右僕射兼門下侍郎, co-equal chief minister 同平章事, overseer of compilation of the national history 監修國史, Revenue overseer 判度支, Duke Who Opens the State 開國公
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 10, passage 26
crimson robes 賜緋
Bestowed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 118
gold and purple 賜金紫
Bestowed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 120
Meritorious Worthy Who Welcomes the Imperial Carriage and Assists in Praise 迎鑾協讚功臣
Bestowed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 123
Marquis of Pingyang 平陽郡侯
AD 911 乾化元年 · Held
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 128
Grand Master for Splendid Happiness 光祿大夫
AD 911 乾化元年 · Grand Master for Splendid Happiness · Advanced
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 128
old minister of the former court, feared by Yougui 先朝舊臣
Feared holdover
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 138
Deserving clan extermination
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 63, passage 135
clan extermination 族誅
AD 923 龍德末 · Suffered
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 228

Places and affiliations

AD 918 貞明四年夏四月辛未
Polity Later Liang 後梁 · Relation Served
Strongly inferred · Old History of the Five Dynasties 9, passage 83
AD 907 五月
Polity Later Liang 後梁 · Relation Served
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 3, passage 109
AD 907 聖祚維新
Polity Liang 梁 · Relation Served
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passage 200
AD 917 貞明三年十二月己巳
Polity Later Liang 後梁 · Relation Served
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 9, passages 43, 53
Polity Later Liang 後梁 · Relation Served
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passages 124-125, 151; Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passage 232
Polity Later Liang 梁 · Relation Served
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passages 225, 228, 232-233; Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passages 68, 163; New History of the Five Dynasties 5, passage 201

Show 8 more source-backed claims

Polity Liang 梁 · Relation Served
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 43, passage 34
Polity Tang 唐 · Relation Origin
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passage 163
Polity Tang 唐 · Relation Served
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 15, passage 31; Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passages 109, 123
At Fengyi in Tongzhou 同州馮翊
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 103
At Daliang 大梁 · Relation Resided at
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 111
At Gaotou Lane 高頭裏 · Relation Resided at
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 161
Organization Chongzheng Court 崇政院 · Relation Director of
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 125
Organization Chongzhengyuan 崇政院 · Relation Directed
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 3, passage 83

Learning and skills

loved learning / reading 好讀書
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 108
Spring and Autumn 春秋
Relation Mastered
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 182
Three Commentaries 三傳
Relation Studied
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 181
Failed
AD 874 to AD 879 乾符中 · Credential jinshi examination 進士
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 109
Skill administrative writing / knife-and-brush 刀筆 · Level excelled
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 108

Works and attributed material

Compiled Remnant Records of Great Liang 大梁編遺錄
Relation Author
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 168
Drafted reply inferior to Xiji
Letter · Author · With Li Xiji (李襲吉)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passage 62
Secret order · Messenger · With Zhu Wen (朱溫) · Addressed to Li Yanwei (李彥威) · Mode named-source-report Source Person Id Zhu Wen (朱溫)
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 43, passage 34
Speech · Speaker · Addressed to Liang Founder (梁祖) · Direct quotation · Extent Unit Ids s0200, s0201
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passages 200-201
Memorial · Author · With Emperor (帝) · Direct quotation · Mode quotation Speaker Jing Xiang (敬翔)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 9, passages 53-54
Memorial · Author · Quoted · Summary requested restoring tea taxes at Yongzhou, Heyang, and Xuzhou · Mode direct-quotation Speaker Jing Xiang (敬翔)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 10, passage 71

Show 11 more source-backed claims

Memorial · Author · Span Start s0140 · Span End s0147
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passages 140-147
Question · Speaker · With Chou Yin (仇殷)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 24, passage 164
Juchuan is truly a rare talent, but he is not good to his lord—what then!
Speech · Speaker · With Zhu Quanzhong (硃全忠) · Direct quotation · Mode named-source-report Source Work New Book of Tang 新唐書
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 15, passage 31
Speech · Speaker · Direct quotation · With Zhu Quanzhong (硃全忠)
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 35, passage 82
知公鄉人有才，可與俱來。
Speech · Addressee · Speaker Taizu (太祖) · Direct quotation
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 113
Speech · Speaker · Direct quotation
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 32, passages 22-23, 26
Speech · Speaker · Span Start s0151 · Span End s0157
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passages 151-157
Speech · Speaker · Span Start s0163 · Span End s0164
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passages 163-164
Speech · Speaker · Span Start s0183 · Span End s0185
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passages 183-185
Speech · Speaker
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 6, passage 42; Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 160
The army ought to worry because of the eclipse.
Warning · Speaker · Speaker Jing Xiang (敬翔) · With Taizu of Liang (太祖) · Mode direct-quotation Speaker Jing Xiang (敬翔)
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 23, passage 125

Events and relationships

Analyzed western terrain and logistics for campaign against Fu and Yan
AD 909 開平三年夏四月 · Counsel · Advisor · With Taizu (太祖)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passages 126-127
acting salt-and-iron overseer 權判諸道鹽鐵使務
AD 918 貞明四年夏四月辛未 · Appointment · Appointee · Appointed
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 9, passage 83
Campaigned and advised at Founder's side over thirty plus years from Zhonghe to dynastic change
AD 881 to AD 907 起中和歲，至鼎革大運，其間三十餘年 · Service · Aide
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 134
Clan executed
AD 923 · Legal · Victim
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 166
Clan exterminated
AD 923 龍德末 · Legal · Victim · With Li Zhen (李振)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 228
Deceitfully urged Juchuan's death
Political · Slanderer · With Li Juchuan (李巨川) · Mode named-source-report Source Work New Book of Tang 新唐書
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 15, passage 31

Show 28 more source-backed claims

Denounced
Political · Accuser · With Su Xun (蘇循)
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 35, passage 82
when the state fell, died to clarify integrity 及國之亡也，殞命以明節
AD 923 及國之亡也 · Political · Participant · Died to prove integrity · With Li Zhen (李振)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 233
Drafted letters and memorials for hire; phrases spread in the army
Employment · Ghostwriter
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 112
Failed to match Xiji prose
Literary · Draftsman · With Li Xiji (李襲吉)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passage 62
Fled east through the pass when Huang Chao took Chang'an
AD 880 黃巢陷長安 · Flight · Fugitive · At Chang'an 長安 · With Huang Chao (黃巢)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 110
Followed pacification of Yan and Yun
Military · Participant
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 119
first aided the hegemonic design and in the end accomplished the imperial enterprise 始輔霸圖，終成帝業
AD 907 to AD 923 始輔霸圖，終成帝業 · Political · Aide · Helped build hegemony and empire
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 232
Memorialized
AD 917 貞明三年十二月己巳 · Political · Memorialist · With Emperor (帝) · Outcome The Emperor would not listen
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 9, passages 53-55
Often pleaded illness and did not oversee government under Yougui
Political · Minister · With Yougui (友珪)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 138
Ordered to issue Laizhou posting
AD 912 乾化二年六月 · Administrative · Drafter · With Yougui (友珪)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 7, passage 117
Received final entrusting command at Founder's bedside
Deathbed charge · Recipient · With Taizu (太祖)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 136
Recommended granting Wang Deming's request for aid
Political · Chief minister
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 10, passages 75-76
Sent to Luoyang with regicide orders
AD 904 昭宗改元天祐 · Political · Secret envoy · With Li Yanwei (李彥威)
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 43, passage 34
Submitted
AD 907 梁祖受禪 · Political · Minister · With Liang Founder (梁祖)
Dated from the passage context · Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passage 163
Summoned with Li Zhen to Ascending Bliss Tower by Zhaozong
AD 903 昭宗自岐下還長安 · Court audience · Honoree · With Zhaozong (昭宗) · At Ascending Bliss Tower / Chang'an 延喜樓、長安
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 123
Threatened suicide to urge Yanzhang appointment
Political · Actor
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 32, passages 22-26
Took large share in planning against Cai rebels
Military · Advisor · With Taizu (太祖)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passages 116-117
Urged the Liang Founder to choose upright men and not elevate Su Xun
AD 907 聖祚維新 · Counsel · Adviser · With Liang Founder (梁祖)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passages 200-201
Warned armies in peril
Omen interpretation · Observer
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 6, passage 42
AD 917 貞明三年十二月己巳
Relation Advisor of · Person Emperor (帝)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 9, passages 53-54
attached himself to townsman Wang Fa 往依焉
Relation Client of · Person Wang Fa (王發)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 111
served and was consulted by the Founder
Relation Client of · Person Taizu (太祖)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passages 113-114, 117
Relation Subordinate of · Person Zhu Quanzhong (硃全忠)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 15, passage 31
Relation Colleague of · Person Li Zhen (李振)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 232
Relation Detested · Person Su Xun (蘇循)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passage 200
Relation Envoy of · Person Zhu Wen (朱溫)
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 43, passage 34
Relation Despiser of · Person Su Kai (蘇楷)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passage 232
Relation Advisor of · Person Taizu of Later Liang (太祖)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 3, passage 83

Assessments and attributes

Assessment deep, reserved, skilled in statecraft; aided without open remonstrance · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passages 134-135
Assessment deeply despised Su Kai's conduct · Mode historian-narrative
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passage 232
Assessment loyal but unheeded counselor · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passages 148, 164
Assessment much of Liang’s destruction of Tang came from his planning · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 5, passage 201
Assessment ought to have stood in loyalty; submitted to Zhu Liang, and the worst praised regicide · Mode commentator-judgment
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passage 163
Assessment shared secret planning in the tent; first promoted · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 3, passage 83

Show 4 more source-backed claims

AD 917 貞明三年十二月己巳
Assessment suburban sacrifice would take an empty name while inflicting real harm, with the treasury exhausted since Liu Xun's loss of discipline and Jin pressing the border · Mode quotation Speaker Jing Xiang (敬翔)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 9, passages 53-54
Assessment superior to Li Zhen by the measure of dying for integrity rather than clinging to life · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 233
Assessment Xun father and son without conduct · Mode speech Speaker Jing Xiang (敬翔)
Directly stated · New History of the Five Dynasties 35, passage 82
often worked until dawn; rested only in the saddle
Work habit
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 134

Source notes

Historicity historical
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 3, passages 83, 109; Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passages 225, 232; Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passage 163; Old History of the Five Dynasties 63, passage 135; New History of the Five Dynasties 5, passage 95; New History of the Five Dynasties 32, passage 22; New History of the Five Dynasties 43, passages 34, 74
Value historical
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 181
first appointee as Grand Academician when the office was created
置大學士，始以翔為之
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 18, passage 130

References in the histories

Search passages

History

74 passages

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 3Volume 3 Book of Later Liang 3: Taizu Annals 3 · 2 passages

Open chapter

乙太府卿敬翔知崇政院，翔與帷幄之謀，故首擢焉。 Grand Master of Splendid Affairs Jing Xiang was put in charge of the Chongzhengyuan—first among promotions because he had shared the Emperor's counsels in the field.

詔樞密院宜改為崇政院，以知院事敬翔為院使。 The Bureau of Military Affairs became the Chongzhengyuan, with Jing Xiang as commissioner.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 5Volume 5 Book of Later Liang 5: Taizu Annals 5 · 1 passage

Open chapter

丁酉，上幸崇政院宴內臣，賜院使敬翔、直學士李班等繒彩有差。 On dingyou he visited Chongzheng Academy to feast the inner attendants, granting graded gifts of silks to director Jing Xiang, direct academician Li Ban, and the rest.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 6Volume 6 Book of Later Liang 6: Taizu Annals 6 · 1 passage

Open chapter

崇政使敬翔望之曰：「兵可憂矣！」 Jing Xiang, Chongzheng commissioner, watching it, said: "The armies are in peril!"

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 7Volume 7 Book of Later Liang 7: Taizu Annals 7 · 1 passage

Open chapter

六月丁丑朔，帝命敬翔出友珪為萊州刺史，即命之官。 On dingchou, the first of the sixth month, the Emperor ordered Jing Xiang to issue an order posting Yougui as prefect of Laizhou, and at once ordered him to take office.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 9Volume 9 Book of Later Liang 9: Later Emperors Annals 2 · 2 passages

Open chapter

宰臣敬翔奏曰：「國家自劉鄩失律以來，府藏殫竭，箕斂百姓，供軍不暇，郊祀之禮，頒行賞賚，所謂取虛名而受實弊也。 Chancellor Jing Xiang argued: "Since Liu Xun's defeat, the treasury is empty and the people are squeezed dry to supply the armies. The suburban rites would require lavish rewards, taking a hollow name at real cost.

辛未，詔宰臣敬翔權判諸道鹽鐵使務。 On xinwei the court made Jing Xiang acting overseer of circuit salt and iron.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 10Volume 10 Book of Later Liang 10: Later Emperors Annals 3 · 3 passages

Open chapter

乙巳，以右僕射兼門下侍郎、同平章事、監修國史、判度支、開國公敬翔為宏文館大學士、延質庫使、諸道鹽鐵轉運等使，餘如故。 On yisi Jing Xiang—Right Vice Director, co-equal chief minister, national-history overseer, and Revenue head—became Hongwen grand academician and commissioner of the Extended Treasury and salt-and-iron transport, retaining his other posts.

鹽鐵轉運使敬翔奏：「請於雍州、河陽、徐州三處重置場院稅茶。」 Jing Xiang, Salt and Iron Transport Commissioner, memorialized: "Please restore tea taxes at market yards in Yong, Heyang, and Xu."

宰臣敬翔請許之，租庸使趙岩等以為不可，乃止。 Jing Xiang favored acceptance; Zhao Yan and others refused, and the court declined.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 15Volume 15 Book of Later Liang 15: Biographies 5: Han Jian, Li Hanzhi, Feng Xingxi, Sun Dezhao, Zhao Keyu, Zhang Shensi · 1 passage

Open chapter

全忠屬官敬翔以文翰事左右，疑巨川用則全忠待己或衰，乃詭說曰：「巨川誠奇才，顧不利主人，若何！」 Jing Xiang feared rivalry and told Quanzhong, "Juchuan is truly a rare talent, but he is not good to his lord—what then!"

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 18Volume 18 Book of Later Liang 18: Biographies 8: Zhang Wenyu, Xue Yiju, Zhang Ce, Du Xiao, Jing Xiang, Li Zhen · 39 passages

Open chapter

敬翔，字子振，同州馮翊人。 Jing Xiang, styled Zizhen, came from Fengyi in Tongzhou.

翔好讀書，尤長刀筆，應用敏捷。 Xiang loved learning, excelled at dispatch work, and wrote with quick facility.

時太祖初鎮大梁，有觀察支使王發者，翔里人也，翔往依焉，發以故人遇之，然無由薦達。 The Founder had just begun to hold Daliang; Wang Fa of his home district served as an observation aide, and Xiang attached himself to him; Fa received him as an old friend but could not get him a post.

翔久之計窘，乃與人為箋刺，往往有警句，傳於軍中。 His prospects long bleak, Xiang drafted letters and memorials for hire; his sharp phrases spread through the camps.

太祖比不知書，章檄喜淺近語，聞翔所作，愛之，謂發曰：「知公鄉人有才，可與俱來。」 The Founder barely read; he liked proclamations in plain speech; when he heard Xiang's writing he was delighted and told Fa: "Your townsman has talent—bring him with you."

及見，應對稱旨，即補右職，每令從軍。 At their meeting Xiang answered to his liking; he was given a military post and kept at campaign.

翔不喜武職，求補文吏，即署館驛巡官，俾專掌檄奏。 Xiang disliked soldiering and asked for a clerkship; he was made post-station patrol officer in charge of proclamations and memorials.

太祖與蔡賊相拒累歲，城門之外，戰聲相聞，機略之間，翔頗預之。 For years the Founder fought the Cai rebels; battle echoed outside the walls, and Xiang took a large share in planning.

太祖大悅，恨得翔之晚，故軍謀政術，一以諮之。 The Founder rejoiced that he had found Xiang so late and consulted him on every military and civil matter.

昭宗自岐下還長安，禦延喜樓，召翔與李振登樓勞問，翔授檢校右僕射、太府卿，賜號迎鑾協讚功臣。 When Zhaozong returned from Qi to Chang'an he went up Ascending Bliss Tower and summoned Xiang and Li Zhen to honor them; Xiang was made honorary Right Vice Director and Grand Treasurer with the title Meritorious Worthy Who Welcomes the Imperial Carriage and Assists in Praise.

尋改樞密院為崇政院，以翔知院事。 Soon the Privy Council became the Chongzheng Court, with Xiang in charge of its affairs.

開平三年夏四月，太祖以邠、岐侵擾，遣劉知俊西討鄜、延，深憂不濟，因宴顧翔，以問西事。 In the fourth month of summer, Kaiping 3, with Bin and Qi raiding, the Founder sent Liu Zhijun west against Fu and Yan; deeply worried, he turned to Xiang at a banquet to ask about the western front.

翔剖析山川郡邑虛實，軍糧多少，悉以條奏，如素講習，左右莫不驚異，太祖歎賞久之。 Xiang laid out terrain, prefectures, supplies, and strength in ordered detail as if he had long studied them; the court was astonished and the Founder marveled at length.

置大學士，始以翔為之。 The office of Grand Academician was created, and Xiang was the first appointee.

翔自釋褐東下，遭遇霸王，懷抱深沉，有經濟之略，起中和歲，至鼎革大運，其間三十餘年，扈從征伐，出入帷幄，庶務叢委，恒達旦不寢，惟在馬上稍得晏息。 From his first post eastward Xiang served a rising hegemon: deep, reserved, and skilled in statecraft. From Zhonghe to the dynastic change—more than thirty years—he campaigned at the Founder's side, entered and left the command tent, and was buried in affairs, often working until dawn and resting only in the saddle.

及太祖大漸，召至御床前受顧托之命，且深以並寇為恨，翔鳴咽不忍，受命而退。 At the Founder's deathbed Xiang received his final charge; the Founder bitterly regretted the Jin foe; Xiang wept and withdrew, unable to bear it.

庶人友珪之篡位也，以天下之望，命翔為宰相。 When the usurper Yougui seized the throne, public expectation made him name Xiang chancellor.

友珪以翔先朝舊臣，有所畏忌，翔亦多稱病，不綜政事。 Yougui feared this holdover from the old court; Xiang often pleaded illness and stayed out of government.

末帝即位，趙、張之族皆處權要，翔愈不得志。 Under the Last Emperor the Zhao and Zhang families held power, and Xiang grew still more frustrated.

及劉鄩失河朔，安彥之喪楊劉，翔奏曰：「國家連年遣將出征，封疆日削，不獨兵驕將怯，亦製置未得其術。 After Liu Xun lost Hebei and An Yanzhi lost Yangliu, Xiang memorialized: "Year after year we send armies abroad while our borders shrink—not only are the troops arrogant and the generals timid; our strategy is wrong as well.

末帝雖知其懇惻，竟以趙、張輩言翔怨望，不之聽。 The Last Emperor knew he spoke sincerely, but Zhao and Zhang called it resentment, and he would not listen.

及王彥章敗於中都，晉人長驅而南，末帝急召翔，謂之曰：「朕居常忽卿所奏，果至今日。 When Wang Yanzhang fell at Zhongdu and the Jin army swept south, the Last Emperor summoned Xiang in haste and said: "I ignored your warnings, and it has come to this.

翔泣奏曰：「臣受國恩，僅將三紀，從微至著，皆先朝所遇，雖名宰相，實朱氏老奴耳。 Xiang wept and replied: "I have served nearly thirty years, raised from nothing by the former court; though called chancellor, I am only an old retainer of the Zhu house.

及晉主陷都城，有詔赦梁氏臣僚，李振謂翔曰：「有制洗滌，將朝新君。」 When the Jin took the capital an edict pardoned Liang officials; Li Zhen told Xiang: "We are absolved—we should attend the new court."

翔曰：「新君若問，其將何辭以對！」 Xiang said: "If the new ruler questions us, what answer can we give?"

是夜，翔在高頭裏第，宿於車坊。 That night he stayed in the carriage house at his Gaotou Lane mansion.

翔返室歎曰：「李振謬為丈夫耳！ Xiang went inside and sighed: "Li Zhen is no true man!

復詔翔補緝其闕，翔乃別纂成三十卷，目之曰《大梁編遺錄》，與《實錄》偕行。 Xiang was then ordered to fill the gaps; he compiled another thirty scrolls titled 《Compiled Remnant Records of Great Liang》, issued together with the 《Veritable Records》.

翔妻劉氏，父為藍田令。 Xiang's wife, Lady Liu, was daughter of the magistrate of Lantian.

太祖平徐，得劉氏嬖之，屬翔喪妻，因以劉氏賜之。 When the Founder took Xuzhou he favored Lady Liu; Xiang was widowed, and the Founder gave her to him.

及翔漸貴，劉猶出入太祖臥內，翔情禮稍薄，劉於曲室讓翔曰：「卿鄙餘曾失身於賊耶，以成敗言之，尚讓巢之宰輔，時溥國之忠臣，論卿門第，辱我何甚，請從此辭！」 As Xiang rose, Liu still visited the Founder's bedchamber; Xiang's affection cooled. In private she reproached him: "Do you scorn me for having served rebels? Shang Rang was Huang Chao's chancellor and Shi Pu a loyal minister of the state—and by your own birth, how deeply you insult me! I will leave you!"

翔謝而止之。 Xiang apologized and kept her.

車服驕侈，婢媵皆珥珠翠，其下別置爪牙典謁，書幣聘使，交結藩鎮，近代婦人之盛，無出其右，權貴皆相附麗，寵信言事，不下於翔。 Her equipage was lavish, her maids jeweled; she kept her own agents and messengers and cultivated the frontier lords; no woman of the age matched her power; the great all courted her, and her influence rivaled Xiang's.

〈（《五代史補》：敬翔應《三傳》，數舉不第，發憤投太祖，願備行陣。 (The 《Supplement to the History of the Five Dynasties》 says Xiang had studied the Three Commentaries, failed the exams repeatedly, and in anger joined the Founder, asking to serve in the ranks.

翔曰：「不可。 Xiang said: "No.

庶人友珪篡立，代敬翔為崇政院使。 When Yougui seized the throne, Zhen replaced Jing Xiang as Chongzheng Court commissioner.

會段凝等疏梁氏權要之臣，振與敬翔等同日族誅。 When Duan Ning and others denounced Liang power-holders, Zhen and Jing Xiang were executed to the third degree on the same day.

敬翔、李振，始輔霸圖，終成帝業。 Jing Xiang and Li Zhen first helped build the hegemony and in the end helped build the empire.

及國之亡也，一則殞命以明節，一則視息以偷生，以此較之，翔為優矣。 When the state fell, one died to prove his integrity and one merely breathed on in shame—by that measure Xiang was the better man.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 19Volume 19 Book of Later Liang 19: Biographies 9: Shi Shucong, Zhu Yougong, Wang Zhongshi, Zhu Zhen, Li Si'an, Deng Jiyun, Huang Wenjing, Hu Gui, Li Dang, Li Zhongyin, Fan Jushi · 1 passage

Open chapter

太祖初聞唐賓之死，驚駭，與敬翔謀，詐令有司收捕唐賓妻子下獄，以安珍心。 When the Founder first heard Tangbin was dead he was shocked; with Jing Xiang he pretended to arrest Tangbin's family to calm Zhen.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 20Volume 20 Book of Later Liang 20: Biographies 10: Xie Tong, Si Maye, Liu Han, Wang Jinrao, Gao Shao, Ma Sixun, Zhang Cunjin, Kou Yanqing · 1 passage

Open chapter

太祖每言曰：「敬翔、劉捏、寇彥卿，蓋為我而生。」 The Founder would say: "Jing Xiang, Liu Han, and Kou Yanqing might as well have been made for me."

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 24Volume 24 Book of Later Liang 24: Biographies 14: Li Ting, Lu Ceng, Sun Zhi, Zhang Jun, Zhang Yan, Du Xunhe, Luo Yin, Chou Yin, Duan Shen · 1 passage

Open chapter

開平中，殷一日朝罷，過崇政院，使敬翔直閣，翔問之曰：「月犯房次星，其逼若綴，是何祥也？」 In Kaiping, leaving court one day Yin passed the Chongzheng Court where Jing Xiang was on duty; Xiang asked: "The moon encroaches on a star in Fang—the approach looks slow; what omen is this?"

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 60Volume 60 Book of Later Tang 36: Biographies 12: Li Xiji, Wang Jian, Li Jingyi, Lu Rubi, Li Dexiu, Su Xun · 7 passages

Open chapter

梁祖覽之，至「毒手尊拳」之句，怡然謂敬翔曰：「李公鬥絕一隅，安得此文士！ The Liang Founder read the letter, and at the line "poisonous hands and honored fists" he said with pleasure to Jing Xiang, "Lord Li holds only a corner of the empire—where did he find a writer like this!

又讀至「馬邑兒童」、「陰山部落」之句，梁祖怒謂敬翔曰：「李太原殘喘餘息，猶氣吞宇宙，可詬罵之。」 But when he reached "boys of Mayi" and "Yin Mountain tribes," the Founder turned angry and told Jing Xiang, "Li of Taiyuan is a man on his last breath, yet he still talks as if he could swallow the universe—answer him with abuse."

及翔為報書，詞理非勝，由是襲吉之名愈重。 Jing Xiang drafted the reply, but his prose could not match Xiji's; Xiji's reputation rose all the higher.

是時梁有敬翔，燕有馬鬱，華州有李巨川，荊南有鄭準， Liang had Jing Xiang, Yan had Ma Yu, Hua had Li Juchuan, and Jingnan had Zheng Zhun,

臣又案：梁室大臣，如敬翔、李振、杜曉、楊涉等，皆唐朝舊族，本當忠義立身，重侯累將，三百餘年，一旦委質朱梁，其甚者讚成弑逆。 Your subject further notes: Liang ministers such as Jing Xiang, Li Zhen, Du Xiao, and Yang She were old Tang families who should have lived by loyalty; for three hundred years their houses had been enfeoffed and their sons had held command—yet in a day they submitted to Zhu Liang, and the worst praised regicide.

循自以奉冊之勞，旦夕望居宰輔，而敬翔惡其為人，謂梁祖曰：「聖祚維新，宜選端士，以鎮風俗。 Xun, counting on his service in the enthronement rites, expected soon to become chief minister; but Jing Xiang detested him and told the Liang Founder, "The sacred reign is newly renewed—you should choose upright men to steady the manners of the age.

及梁祖即位於汴，楷自以遭遇千載一時，敬翔深鄙其行。 When the Liang Founder took the throne at Bian, Kai thought he had met a once-in-a-millennium chance; Jing Xiang despised his conduct.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 63Volume 63 Book of Later Tang 39: Biographies 15: Zhang Quanyi, Zhu Youqian · 1 passage

Open chapter

莊宗平中原，全義合與敬翔、李振等族誅，又通賂於劉皇后，乘莊宗幸洛，言臣已有郊天費用。 When Zhuangzong conquered the Central Plain, Quanyi deserved execution with Jing Xiang, Li Zhen, and their kin; he bribed Empress Liu and, when Zhuangzong came to Luoyang, claimed he already had funds for the suburban sacrifice.

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 73Volume 73 Book of Later Tang 49: Biographies 25: Mao Zhang, Nie Yu, Wen Tao, Duan Ning, Kong Qian, Li Ye · 1 passage

Open chapter

凝納賂於趙、張二族，求為招討使，敬翔、李振極言不可，竟不能止。 Ning bribed the Zhao and Zhang clans in pursuit of the post of campaign commander-in-chief. Jing Xiang and Li Zhen argued strenuously against the appointment but could not prevent it.

New History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 2Volume 2 Later Liang Annals 2: Taizu 2 · 1 passage

Open chapter

甲午，改樞密院為崇政院，太府卿敬翔為使。 On the day jiawu, the Privy Council was renamed the Court of Esteemed Governance, with Grand Chamberlain Jing Xiang as its commissioner.

New History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 3Volume 3 Later Liang Annals 3: Later Emperors · 1 passage

Open chapter

以王为东京留守、开封尹，敬翔为中书侍郎、同中书门下平章事，户部尚书李振为崇政院使。 Youzhen was appointed eastern-capital regent and Kaifeng prefect; Jing Xiang became vice director of the Secretariat and co-equal grand councilor; and Minister of Revenue Li Zhen became commissioner of the Court of Esteemed Governance.

New History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 5Volume 5 Later Tang Annals 2: Zhuangzong 2 · 3 passages

Open chapter

敬翔自殺。 Jing Xiang took his own life.

翔為梁臣，梁所以亡唐，翔之謀為多。 Xiang was a Liang minister, and much of Liang’s destruction of Tang came from his planning.

梁之亡也，翔雖死之，不書「死」而書「自殺」，死，大節也，見不輕予人也。 When Liang fell, even though Xiang died for it, the text says “committed suicide” rather than “died”; death in loyalty is a great moral distinction, and the wording shows that it is not lightly bestowed.

New History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 13Volume 13: The Later Liang Imperial Family · 1 passage

Open chapter

乃謂敬翔曰：「友珪可與一郡，趣使之任。」 He then told Jing Xiang: “Give Yougui a prefecture and hurry him to his post.”

New History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 23Volume 23 Later Liang Biographies 3: Yang Shihou, Wang Jingren, He Gui, Wang Tan, Ma Sixun, Wang Qianyu, Xie Yanzhang · 1 passage

Open chapter

乾化元年正月庚寅，日有食之，崇政使敬翔白太祖曰：「兵可憂矣！」 On gengyin, the first month of Qianhua 1, there was a solar eclipse. Jing Xiang, commissioner of the Chongzheng Bureau, told Taizu: “The army ought to worry!”

New History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 32Volume 32 Biographies of Martyrs to Virtue 12: Wang Yanzhang · 2 passages

Open chapter

龍德三年夏，晉取鄆州，梁人大恐，宰相敬翔顧事急，以繩內靴中，入見末帝，泣曰：「先帝取天下，不以臣為不肖，所謀無不用。 Summer, Longde year three: Jin took Yun Prefecture and Liang panicked. Chancellor Jing Xiang, seeing ruin close, hid a rope in his boot, went before the Last Emperor, and wept: "The Founder took the realm and never thought me unworthy—every plan of mine was used.

翔曰：「事急矣，非彥章不可！」 Xiang said: "It is desperate—only Yanzhang can save us!"

New History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 35Volume 35 Biographies 15: Zhan Wenyu, Yang She, Zhang Ce, Zhao Guangfeng, Xue Yiju, Su Xun · 1 passage

Open chapter

循父子皆自以附會梁得所托，旦夕引首，希見進用，敬翔尤惡之，謂太祖曰：「梁室新造，宜得端士以厚風俗，循父子皆無行，不可立於新朝。」 Father and son thought Liang was their patron and craned their necks for office; Jing Xiang hated them and told Taizu, “The new dynasty needs upright men; the Xuns are without conduct and cannot stand in court.”

New History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 43Volume 43 Miscellaneous Biographies 23: Shi Shucong, Li Yanwei, Li Zhen, Pei Di, Wei Zhen, Kong Xun, Sun Dezhao, Wang Jingrao, Jiang Yin · 2 passages

Open chapter

太祖大懼，恐昭宗奔佗鎮，以兵七萬如河中，陰遣敬翔至洛，告彥威與氏叔琮等，使行弒逆。 The Founder feared Zhaozong would bolt to another warlord. He took seventy thousand men toward Hezhong and secretly sent Jing Xiang to Luoyang with orders for Yanwei, Shucong, and the rest to kill the emperor.

友珪時，以振代敬翔為崇政院使。 Under Zhu Yougui he replaced Jing Xiang as head of the Chongzheng Court.